Using Oil-Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint To Update Chair Legs

Spray paint. Again. Who’s surprised?

I’m nothing if not completely predictable when it comes to spraying my troubles away. I mentioned wanting to ORB (that’s “oil-rubbed-bronze” for those not privy to ridiculous decorating abbreviations) the legs of this old chair in our living room for a while. They’re clashy and red in real life…

They also didn’t exactly “groove” with the gray-washed beams overhead and the deeper more brown-based wood tones in the console table that we made for behind the sofa (seen fully accessorized here). We plan to refinish the floors someday too – probably in the same hues as the console table – so don’t let those orangey-red floor undertones throw you.

Anyway, back to those legs and my ORB aspirations. First I picked up a can of Rustoeum Universal Metallic spray paint in “Oil Rubbed Bronze” (the same stuff we used to deeply bronze Karl’s legs here). Update: Here’s an affiliate link to this exact spray paint on Amazon for anyone who can’t find it in stores.

It took me about fifteen minutes to tape two big black garbage bags around the plushy seat part, poking holes for the legs and using painters tape to ensure that no spray could get through to the upholstery. I also made sure spray paint would get all the way to the top of the wood legs so none of that orange color would remain (like four evil rings that taunted me up near the seat).

After 15 minutes spent bagging and taping, it only took about five to spray those hot little legs of his (no sanding was necessary since the legs weren’t sealed or glossy, just dry & chalky = ready for paint). Gotta love prep time that takes three times longer than the actual job. And yes it is resting upside down on a recycling bin. I’m like MacGuyver MacGruber. “Quick hand me that recycling receptacle, some metallic spray paint, and two garbage bags! Hurry Chloe, we’re running out of time!” (somehow this turned into my Jack Bauer impression).

Oh and when it comes to spray painting tips, here ya go:

Skip the bad/cheap/terrible $2 stuff in favor of the quality $7+ options (I like Rustoleum’s trigger spray nozzle because it goes on thin and even – and doesn’t get all over your fingers).

It’s best to keep the nozzle about 8-10″ away from whatever it is that you’re spray painting.

You really want a mist, not a heavy wet coating.

Three thin and even coats are better than one thick and drippy one.

Spray paint has yet to go no-VOC, so apply it outside with a mask, and let it fully cure as long as the can recommends outside whenever you can (usually 24 hours, we try to double that just to be even safer).

You can “seal” any spray paint (to limit off-gassing once you bring it inside) by applying two thin coats of Safecoat Acrylacq, which is low-VOC and non-toxic.

Ah, so much better now:

To save your poor weary fingers from scrolling to the top, here’s that before again:

Now those gams blend (with a little subtle gleam thanks to the quiet metallic finish). Which is nice, because although I did call those legs of his hot, they’re not exactly what we’re hoping everyone who enters the room will focus on (kinda like how I hope others will politely overlook my blindingly white mom legs). I’d much rather leave the scene stealing to those purty silver lamps (mixed metals = yes please), or the curtains, or The Karl. Or The Bean. Pretty much anything not chair-leg related.

Eventually we’d love to trade this chair for something a bit more special (think thrift store upholstered armchair or slipper chair with turned legs or castors), but for now a $7 spray paint upgrade did the trick. Well, technically $3.50 since I still have half the can to use on something else – and you know I will. Beware all other objects in the house. I will pull this car over and ORB you.

Psst- I got listy over on BabyCenter today (so many fun summer activities for C, so little time).

Pssst- Who watched Design Star last night? Did anyone else catch when Cathy said “camel tone” and it sounded like something else, or was that just me? Any non camel related thoughts about the cast in general?

Love the mini makeover. Seriously, spray paint should be the 8th wonder of the world. Strike that, the ninth. Chocolate is 8. Ha. I spray paint a lot of stuff, too. Anything that stays still too long is subject.

Hello from a fellow Richmonder! It’s been so hot and muggy here lately (no suprise for a central VA summer)–what’s your “cut-off” temperature-wise for painting outside? Or does it matter too much with spray paint? Lots of projects to do and paint–perhaps I’m using the heat as an excuse NOT to do them???

I always apply suuuper thin coats of spray paint, so they seem to almost instantaneously dry, even on those hot days. I wouldn’t spray outside on a day like yesterday though- that was torture! Maybe 85 degrees and under (I aim for the morning or later in the afternoon) is my deal?

Ha, yes….I totally misheard “Camel Tone” and giggled about it. I’ll save judgement on the cast until I see a few more episodes, but I’m kinda blahhh about there being too many decorators/stylists and not enough makers of things. And how about that DayGlo room? Eeesh.

This is completely unrelated, but an idea popped into my mind and I had to share with you! I recently spent a day volunteering through my work at Habitat for Humanity. Of course it is rewarding to help people, but my secondary motive was to gain new DIY skills (I learned to drywall). It was like having private lessons with a General Contractor! Anyways, I wanted to offer it up as an idea for you all in the future- you could blog about it! Hopefully this doesn’t come off as preachy or pushy…I just had a nice experience and I thought you would too!

We have had that on our list for a while now and would love to do it! We donate (house items and moolah) to them whenever we can- but we’d love to get in there and get our hands dirty too! Sounds like you had an amazing time.

Wait, you can spray-paint door knobs? And it holds up? We have hideous “brass” scratched up door-knobs anywhere. This could change my life! (although I am more of a nickel or pewter girl than ORB- sorry Sherry)

You guys would be proud to know that we are combining two of your projects. We are currently creating a wall of frames going up our stairs. We are spray painting all of the frames white. We are using the same Rustoleum paint but I find that is splatters everywhere! Do you have that problem? Any ideas on how to stop it from splattering?

Ooh sounds like you got a bum can (the nozzle is clogged). I’d bring it back and ask for another one (and buy another one if they won’t replace it for free) just because a nice thin mist is the best way to spray! Good luck!

yes, i giggled at “camel tone” too. I didn’t really like that lady. My big disappointment was the visual merchandiser. I thought he would be good. However, my two faves now are the girl who made the cute little alcove under the stairs and the guy who loves to build furniture. I think he is adorable.

I totally had high hopes for the visual merchandiser! But I still do because I think the first challenge throws everyone off. Hopefully he comes back strong next week (prediction: he’s the one Candice is talking to in the promo for next week when she says “You really took the notes last week and listened!”).

The chair legs look great! Very blend-y :) Also, that camel tone comment is the main reason I’m writing to you because OMG! I had to rewind! I was sure I heard wrong, and thank heavens I did! I was seriously concerned about her design style haha!

I totally heard something else when she said “camel tones” too…I even mentioned it to my husband who seemed less then amused at my junior high immaturity! Ha, whatever it was funny. Anywho, love the new chair gams….do you think that spray paint would work on door knobs/locks? Or would it mess with the movability of them? I got some awful brass knobs in this house that need a facelift!

I actually have been meaning to try that whole process (I would sand, use spray primer, and spray paint) some hinges and knobs and locks- so I’ll have to report back when I do. I figure it’s worth a shot before replacing everything!

I have heard this works too. I have bought the supplies to complete but haven’t had the time yet. I bought the same ORB but not sure if it is metallic though. Also, not sure to do just outside door knobs or whole house. I have brushed nickel in two bathrooms would the door knobs look funny if they were bronze? They are shiny gold now YUCK! Opinions welcome please…..

Looks great! Funny what a little ORB can do :) The room also looks great! Any plans for the floor, or leave it as is? I have the same type in my entry-way and am at a loss for what to do with it. I’ve thought about painting it… Don’t really have the funds for a complete re-do. hmmm. :)

Nice! I used the same Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint to re-do the hardware in our master bath last month. The old handles on the cabinets were shiny silver. Quick fix, very cheap, and no patching/new hole drilling needed for new hardware.

Such a quick and awesome fix! This weekend I got to enjoy standing in front of the wall of spray paint at HD and taking in all the things I could be spray painting. Phew. And thanks for the tip about Safecoat!

I just got into spray painting recently as we just bought our first house. My first project was a bookshelf we actually got from our new neighbors for my son’s room (it was free – love that!) and I sprayed it a happy cherry red. Not my best work but for a first try it came out alright! Love the dark chair legs!

p.s. I did watch Design Star last night – totally think we are in for a drama filled season, cant wait!

Thanks for reminding me of my list of “Things to Spray Paint”! During DStar last night my husband turns to me and says, “do you like ‘warm camel tones’?” I almost peed from hysterical laughter! We had to rewind to hear her say “warm camel tones”! Priceless!

It was my husband who shouted “What? Camel…” It was funny. Sherry, I have been ORB CRAZY lately. I was more than a little smug because I already had an ORB curtain rod and clock, but when I did my gallery wall I did mix some black spray painted frames with a few ORB ones for subtle difference. I love it.

Totally watched Design Start last night and glad Blanche got the ax. Not that I like reveling in the pain of others, but because she seemed a little obnoxious asking about credentials in the beginning. Poor girl…

I hate to say this, but I DVRed Design Star, because I am so hooked on the bachelorette…I cannot wait to watch it however…hopefully this afternoon! The legs look great…you guys are like me, paying attention to the smallest details!

That looks great. I have a question though – for either of you, or anyone else! Where do you suggest spray-painting when you live in an apartment building? I don’t have outdoor space to spray in…but i’d love to spray down some stuff!

We spray painted some frames when we lived in NYC on the sidewalk. Haha. Here’s how: 1) lay out a huge old bedsheet somewhere outside that isn’t completely in everyone’s way 2) lay out frames and use thin and even coats of paint to get ‘er done 3) hang out outside for a few hours with them until they’re dry to the touch and you can cart everything back inside. We’re crazy.

I’ve spray painted in apartment complex lawns and in the parking lot (in an area where no cars parked). Cardboard or an old shower curtain to catch excess paint and then I hung out with them until I could take them back inside. I also once spray painted in the bathroom with a lot of drop cloths around (I had paint that said it could be used indoors – don’t believe it, the overspray didn’t stick but it was really messy) and once on my balcony with drop cloths protecting things (that one worked pretty well).

Oh the ‘camel tones’ had me doing a double take! I was watching and thought that my husband was doing his puzzle but during elimination he said ‘that bald guy should be sent home for the day glo bedroom’. Surprised me that he was paying that much attention. I had it right on the final two and on which one would leave. That framed wallpaper looked like a pre-school project. And a not well done one at that. Holding my thoughts on who is the best but I liked the bonus room the most from last night.

I’ve had a lot of luck using spray paint in my old bungalow house. I completely renovated old l923 kitchen cabinets using different colored spray paints. Spray paint applications definitely works wonders on furniture. There are a myriad of different looks that can be achieved including shabby chic and faux-like finishes.

I also used decorative gold spray paint on the base of my metal glass topped dining room table. It was originally silver and was chipping and peeling and very shabby looking.
With some light sanding and the gold spray paint it was restored to its original beauty within a couple of days.

I think homeowners forget about the versatility of spray paint and the ease of application.

Quick question:
Have you ever spray painted dipped wrought iron outdoor furniture? I have a hand-me-down set that is a pale mint green, and it would look soooo much better with our house if we could paint it a dark taupe. However, I worry that spray paint just won’t do the trick, and maybe it actually has to be dipped. If that’s the case, it would make more sense to buy a new set in the color I like, but gosh I love the sweet vintage style of this table and chair set!
We love your blog! Thanks!

I did some spraypainting myself this weekend–a vintage metal hamper and some picture frames. I have to say, reading your blog has really inspired me to take the time and do things right. Before, I was impatient and wanted to finish my project NOW! But now I take my time to do it right so the finished product will look great!

Would you be able to tell me if that Safecoat Acrylacq works on semi-gloss paint? I’m in San Diego and had a hard time finding low voc paint so I went with Home Depots semi-gloss paint to paint our baby’s dresser. Would you suggest I order the Safecoat Acrylacq to put on top of the paint? Another problem I had was the paint is not curing to the wood, I wonder if the Safecoat would help that?

Oh yeah- it works on any finish. And if you apply it very thinly and evenly with ample drying time between thin coats (and lots of drying time after- like a week without putting anything on it) you should have a piece that looks great and lasts! Good luck!